Elizabeth (Liz) Donahue Marucheau was born and raised in Monroe, Connecticut. She ventured across the country to attend San Diego State University, where she received her bachelor's degree in Psychology and her master's degree in Social Work. She has been licensed by the State of California Board of Behavioral Sciences since 1991.

Currently, Liz teaches human development, social work practice, assessment and diagnosis at San Diego State University for the School of Social Work and the Child and Family Development Department. She works to bring neuroscience principles into all of her classes. She is inspired by her students and finds delight in teaching the next generation of social workers and Licensed Professional Clinical Counselors.

Liz has operated her own private practice since 1991, providing direct psychotherapy services for infants and their caregiver, children, adolescents, and adults, and couples with a focus on attachment theory and regulation. All of her work is grounded in Neuroscience principles, Steven Porges' Polyvagal Theory, andAttachment Theoryand various Developmental Theory's. She specializes in working with new parents, children, adolescents, adults, and couples who may experience anxiety, depression, ADHD and or PTSD; her approach works to eliminate symptoms that can interfere with living a life that is worth celebrating. Liz incorporates the latest research into her therapeutic approaches while developing an individualized plan for each client. She also draws from her daily practice of meditation and mindfulness.

Ms. Marucheau has been actively involved in policy development, helping to improve an integrated approach of service delivery through her work as a Consultant for Columbia University, Mailman School of Public Health, andwith SAMHSA. She was the lead in developing the San Diego Children System of Care Training Academy (another SAMHSA grant), which was designed to advance federal and state initiatives throughout San Diego County’s child serving agencies (probation, mental health, child welfare). In addition, Ms. Marucheau has worked with all of the local school districts providing AB2726 mental health assessment for students, currently known as ERMS. Ms. Marucheau took a lead role in advancing the implementation of California Infant Family & Early Childhood Mental Health Guidelines & Personnel Competencies throughout San Diego County.

On a personal note

Liz is active in her local church and the local high school, and she served on the First Five Commission of San Diego County Technical and Professional Advisory Board (TPAC) from 2008 to 2015. In May of 2015, TPAC moved to an ad hoc committee, and Liz continues to make herself available to the advisory board as needed. Liz is an outdoor enthusiast and finds great pleasure in the beauty of nature; she enjoys most activities in the mountains as well as traveling with her family.